A Kirkcaldy woman is urging more new mothers to help save sick babies’ lives by donating to Scotland’s only breast milk bank.
Mother-of-two Tracy Wood, 34, happened upon information about a donor centre in Glasgow while researching breastfeeding websites after the birth of her son, Jack.
As she had an abundant supply of breast milk, Mrs Wood contacted the service, located in the Southern General Hospital, to ask how she could become a donor.
After filling out a health and lifestyle questionnaire, arrangements were made for her to have a blood test. After her test came back clear, she was given bottles to express her milk into, which were then uplifted from her home.
The hairdresser and makeup artist, who is also mum to two-year-old Emily, said: “Having breast-fed both my children, I know how important the nutrients of breast milk are for newborn babies and when I found out I could donate my milk I knew it was something I wanted to do.
“Putting myself in other mothers’ shoes, I know I’d be forever grateful for a donor if my baby desperately needed milk and I was unable to express any.
“The milk bank provides such a valuable service because formula milk is too heavy for some babies’ delicate tummies.
“Since donating, a lot of mums that I’ve spoken to have said that they too would have also liked to have donated but they didn’t know it was an option so there seems to be a lack of awareness about the service.
“I think this is a shame, as the milk bank really does provide a life-saving service for sick and premature babies.
“Donating is so easy and I would urge more new mums to consider it. They can express milk in just a few minutes each day and once their donation is ready to go, then Scots ERVS, the medical transport charity, will come to collect it from their door.”
Kevin Hill, director of women and children’s services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said mothers interested in becoming donors can contact the bank.
He said: “For some babies, particularly those who are very premature or who have undergone abdominal surgery, donor milk can be invaluable. Sometimes mothers are unable to produce sufficient milk for their own babies, too, so the milk we receive from our donors ensures that those babies who need breast milk most can receive it.”
NHS Fife midwifery nurse manager Catherine Cummings said: “Breast milk is crucial to newborn babies, particularly in the early days following birth, as it is packed full of the nutrition that babies need in a natural and easily-digestible form, as well as antibodies.
“There are instances where the mother may be too unwell to express for herself and so access to donor milk can prove invaluable. It is important, however, that healthy mothers focus on establishing feeding of their own child before considering donating to the milk bank.
“Mothers who are at a later stage and who find that they have a more than sufficient milk supply for their own infant, can call the infant feeding helpline and be referred on to the donor milk bank.”
For more information email Donor.MilkBank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk or visit the One Milk Bank Facebook page.